Celebrity Xcel Completes First Sea Trials in France Ahead of Caribbean Debut This Winter

Celebrity Cruises’ newest ship, Celebrity Xcel, has marked a major milestone ahead of its debut later this year, Caribbean Journal has learned.

Here’s more on what’s in store in Xcel, including a major new concept called “The Bazaar,” which will change its menus depending on the port of call.

On Sept. 13, the ship completed its first ocean sailing near the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, where it has been under construction. The vessel successfully carried out a series of maneuverability tests designed to evaluate functional and operational capabilities.

Helmed by Captain Kyriakos “Kirk” Matragkas, Celebrity Xcel passed the trials “with flying colors,” according to the company, clearing the way for the ship’s inaugural sailings in November.

Celebrity Xcel is the fifth ship in the line’s Edge Series and will introduce new onboard experiences when it officially launches later this year.

Celebrity Xcel will make its debut this November from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, where it will homeport for its inaugural Caribbean season with a series of week-long cruises. After its first year, the ship is set to reposition to PortMiami in November 2026, where it will continue sailing Caribbean itineraries from one of the world’s busiest cruise ports.

We love the Edge series – including the fantastic Beyond; you can find my review of that ship here.

About the author

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Karen Udler

Karen Udler is the Deputy Travel Editor of Caribbean Journal. A graduate of Duke University, has been traveling across the Americas for three decades. First an expert on Latin American travel, Karen has been traveling with CJ for more than a decade. She likes to focus on wellness, luxury travel and food.